Eaton Rapids Fall ​Handbell Festival

FUMER Welcomes All

​When you consider the United Methodist Church today it is important to realize the UMC is a worldwide denomination. Recently the denomination gathered 864 delegates from across the globe to make decisions concerning human sexuality, same sex marriage, and the ability to ordain those who do not fit traditional definitions of gender or sexuality. The outcome of this General Conference special session is that the Church will continue to maintain its traditional position concerning human sexuality, marriage and qualifications for ordination.

Though the Church maintains that all persons are of sacred worth, restrictions remain on those who do not fit traditional definitions of gender or sexuality. Such decisions have caused pain and sadness to LGBTQ persons, their families, and their friends.

Though the United Methodist Church worldwide believes in the resurrection and lordship of Jesus Christ, not all are of the same in policy or principle. Thus, while some are relieved by the recent decisions, countless others across the denomination are not.​Understand, the decision made at the General Conference is not going to change the way people are treated at Eaton Rapids First. Eaton Rapids First affirms that all persons are individuals of sacred worth. We boldly proclaim that each human being is made in the image of God and we strive to follow the example of Jesus as we welcome all persons without regard to age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, or economic condition. We are committed to caring for one another within and beyond the walls of our building, to loving and respecting all people, grounded in grace, not judgment. We will continue to proclaim and live according to Jesus’ commands: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.